Alright, everyone on nt.com has been timid about tackling this, when in reality it is the best strut for our cars. This is a must have for lowering springs, as you can make them work with virtually any spring rate due to the adjustable dampening.
Tools:
-large pipe cutter or hack saw.
-basic drill bit set
-drill
-rubber hammer
-14mm drill bit
-black metal paint (optional)
-basic hex key set that can attach to a ratchet
-torque wrench
-stock set of dampers (can be blown out)
-center punch
-pvc pipe (roughly 1.5-2 inches in diameter)
Step 1:
Securely clamp the strut in a vise. Do NOT clamp the body of the strut. Clamp the strut from the endlink tab. Now find the center and hit it with a center punch.
Step 2:
Use a quality drill bit (small size) and drill out a hole where you made the punch.
Step 3:
Now use a bigger bit to step up the hole size.
Step 4:
Now take the strut out to your yard or a trash can and pump the fluid out by grabbing the shock shaft and moving it back and forth rapidly.
Step 5:
Now take the giant pipe cutter, and cut around the top of the strut tube. Cut as close to the top edge as possible. If you do not have a pipe cutter, a hacksaw will suffice. Do not cut to much off, this can lead to problems later on in the DIY.
Step 6:
Once you are done cutting, pull out the stock insert.
Step 7:
Use the rat tail file to smooth out the edges.
Step 8:
Now take the big 14mm bit ( I used a 13.7mm) and drill out a big hole. You may have to step up the whole size more gradually to this point if you have a cheap bit.
Step 9:
Now take the gutted strut housing, and wash it with a garden hose. Dry it off, and the paint the edges. This is not required, but I like perfection.
Step 10:
Now take the koni insert, and place it in the housing. Make sure the housing is clamped in the vise. The insert will slide into the housing until it reaches the 3 lifted bumps on the insert. Now take a 1.75 inch diameter piece of PVC pipe and place it over the shaft. MAKE SURE THE TOP OF THE SHAFT IN NOT EXPOSED. Now hit the top of the PVC pipe with a rubber mallet. This will push the insert in snugly.
Step 11:
Now, using a torque wrench, place the supplied washer, lock washer, and bolt on the bottom. This will secure the insert. Torque to 55 ft. lbs. If the hole does not align, bust the file out!
Step 12:
Now place the rubber sleeve over the edge and re-installed the strut!
Tools:
-large pipe cutter or hack saw.
-basic drill bit set
-drill
-rubber hammer
-14mm drill bit
-black metal paint (optional)
-basic hex key set that can attach to a ratchet
-torque wrench
-stock set of dampers (can be blown out)
-center punch
-pvc pipe (roughly 1.5-2 inches in diameter)
Step 1:
Securely clamp the strut in a vise. Do NOT clamp the body of the strut. Clamp the strut from the endlink tab. Now find the center and hit it with a center punch.
Step 2:
Use a quality drill bit (small size) and drill out a hole where you made the punch.
Step 3:
Now use a bigger bit to step up the hole size.
Step 4:
Now take the strut out to your yard or a trash can and pump the fluid out by grabbing the shock shaft and moving it back and forth rapidly.
Step 5:
Now take the giant pipe cutter, and cut around the top of the strut tube. Cut as close to the top edge as possible. If you do not have a pipe cutter, a hacksaw will suffice. Do not cut to much off, this can lead to problems later on in the DIY.
Step 6:
Once you are done cutting, pull out the stock insert.
Step 7:
Use the rat tail file to smooth out the edges.
Step 8:
Now take the big 14mm bit ( I used a 13.7mm) and drill out a big hole. You may have to step up the whole size more gradually to this point if you have a cheap bit.
Step 9:
Now take the gutted strut housing, and wash it with a garden hose. Dry it off, and the paint the edges. This is not required, but I like perfection.
Step 10:
Now take the koni insert, and place it in the housing. Make sure the housing is clamped in the vise. The insert will slide into the housing until it reaches the 3 lifted bumps on the insert. Now take a 1.75 inch diameter piece of PVC pipe and place it over the shaft. MAKE SURE THE TOP OF THE SHAFT IN NOT EXPOSED. Now hit the top of the PVC pipe with a rubber mallet. This will push the insert in snugly.
Step 11:
Now, using a torque wrench, place the supplied washer, lock washer, and bolt on the bottom. This will secure the insert. Torque to 55 ft. lbs. If the hole does not align, bust the file out!
Step 12:
Now place the rubber sleeve over the edge and re-installed the strut!